How To

Description:MP4 is widely used and may be the most compatible format. Here shows what MP4 file extension is and find how to play/edit and transcode MP4 in a simple way.

What is MP4?

MPEG-4 or MP4 is a digital multimedia format most commonly used to store video and audio, but can also be used to store other data such as subtitles and still images. Like most modern container formats, it allows streaming over the Internet and can be easily be played by almost all video players.

How to Play a MP4 file?

Generally speaking, there are no additional codecs required to play MP4 files. Everything needed to play the video file is already built-in to the player. As it is known to all, MP4 files can be opened with Windows Media Player, and other MP4-compatible media players like VLC, QuickTime, and more.

Important Note: To enable your favorite video player like VLC open and play MP4 files perfectly, you may need to install an MPEG-4 codec, which allows your computer to recognize MP4 files and have them play properly.

Why Transcode MP4 files?

MP4 format is now widely used not limited to movies and TV shows, some cameras/ camcorders (like GoPro, Sony XDCAM EX) also capture videos in MP4. While, as mentioned above, MP4 file is a container format which would be a bit hard for video editing programs like FCP, iMovie, Adobe Premiere, Sony Vegas, Windows Movie Maker, etc to read and process it- it is suggested to reformat the MP4 format for further editing.

Plus, if the MP4 video does not meet the specification of your devices or media players, the MP4 will either fail to be added or unable to be played on your Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, PS4, iPhone, iPad, QuickTime, VLC, etc. unless transcoding your MP4 into playable videos with the right codec.

How to Choose a Best MP4 Video Converter?

Obviously, to play, edit, share your MP4 files freely, you need the help with conversion software. And Pavtube Video Converter is considered to be the most sought after. With this MP4 file converter, you are able to transcode MP4 video to hundreds of popular formats like H.265 MP4, M3U8, MKV, MOV, FLV, AVI, MKV, WMV, etc.. Not only does it functions as a MP4 movie converter, but also as a MP4 editor that you can use to trim, crop, set effects, add subtitles and more to personalize your movies.

Although MP4 is widely used and most supported by many devices, it's weird that there are not few people asking compatiblity problems in different forums or Q&A websites. Don't worry, here lists some top solutions form solve all your problems concerning conversion between MP4 and other formats.